Melania Trump confirms first big overseas trip without Donald

Melania Trump is planning to visit Africa in October – her first big international trip without husband Donald.

It's believed the first lady will visit a number of countries on her tour, but the exact details of her itinerary are yet to be announced.

While there, Melania plans to focus on humanitarian programs that are currently running in the region.

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In a statement released to Associated Press, the first lady said, "This will be my first time traveling to Africa and I am excited to educate myself on the issues facing children throughout the continent, while also learning about its rich culture and history."

"We are a global society and I believe it is through open dialogue and the exchanging of ideas that we have a real opportunity to learn from one another."

Spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham told Associated Press Melania chose Africa specifically after she heard about the United States' investment in children's health and education.

The trip will mark Melania's first large-scale overseas trip without her husband since becoming first lady in January 2017.

Last year, she attended the Invictus Games, a sports competition for wounded veterans, in Toronto, Canada. On this trip, she met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Prince Harry.

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The trip to Africa is also significant following her husband Donald Trump's comments about the continent earlier in the year.

The President caused controversy by reportedly saying that immigrants from places like Africa, Haiti and El Salvador hail from "sh-thole countries". The statement was widely criticised by the United Nations and African heads of state, among others.

Melania has accompanied Donald on many international trips before, including to England, Saudi Arabia, Poland, France, Italy, China, South Korea and Japan.